The controversy surrounding the alleged removal of Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba Koto has taken a new twist after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) submitted a comprehensive report to the National Assembly, dismissing claims that any formal proceedings took place in June 2025.
According to the report, addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the DCI established—through recorded statements from 16 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and 18 staff members—that no sittings were held on June 19th, 24th, or 26th. These dates are central to documents currently under scrutiny for alleged forgery, which claim that Speaker Koto was ousted and replaced by Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha.
Assembly Was in Recess — Not in Session
The investigation revealed that the County Assembly had officially adjourned its sittings on June 18, 2025. The adjournment was meant to create room for public participation on a motion seeking the impeachment of Governor Abdi Guyo.
This means that any documents suggesting assembly activities or decisions made after June 18th are inconsistent with the established parliamentary calendar and eyewitness testimonies.
Chaos and Violence Erupted on June 18
In a shocking turn, the DCI report notes that on the same day the assembly adjourned, a group of goons allegedly linked to the governor forcefully stormed the chambers. During the invasion:
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Assembly officers were assaulted
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Equipment was vandalised
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Critical devices, including computers and recording gadgets, were stolen
This violent incident disrupted operations and created a chaotic environment that further complicates the authenticity of the disputed documents.
Loss of Digital Records Deepens the Crisis
The DCI highlighted another major concern: the County Assembly did not have a backup system for its digital data. As a result, the destruction and theft of equipment led to the complete loss of Hansard recordings, session logs, and other crucial digital documents.
This lack of digital backup has opened the door to potential manipulation and has made it challenging to verify claims made by parties contesting the legality of the alleged speaker ouster.
Forgery Allegations Under the Spotlight
With testimonies from MCAs and staff contradicting the documents submitted to justify Speaker Koto’s removal, the DCI’s findings lean heavily toward a case of possible forgery and unlawful attempts to alter county leadership.
The report is now expected to guide the National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies as they determine:
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Whether criminal charges should be pursued
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Whether the documents presented were intentionally fabricated
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What action should be taken against individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy
What This Means for Isiolo County
The unfolding drama underscores deeper political rifts within the Isiolo County leadership. If the findings point toward orchestrated forgery or unauthorized power grabs, the implications could be significant—impacting governance, stability, and public trust.
As national institutions sift through the evidence, residents and political observers will be watching closely to see how accountability, rule of law, and transparency are upheld.
